JL - 21.12.24 47714 12:45 Leeming Bar - Leyburn, Crakehall

A brighter forecast tempted me over the Pennines today and without much excitement on the national network I headed for the Wensleydale Railway for a crack at their recently purchased ex-Scottish push-pull 47714 which was employed on their very popular Polar Express. With other commitments to get back for this was a one shot move, so it was the 12:45 departure or nothing. There was plenty of blue sky around to the south but luckily, right on cue, darker clouds filled the backdrop. In stunning December light the former 'Grampian Region' opens up whilst climbing away from Crakehall crossing to complete a wonderful scene. I'm very curious as to what this would look like with a bit of Photoshop work to change the first coach to blue / grey but that's well beyond my very limited IT capabilities.